[DigitalToday reporter Jinju Hong] Dutch bicycle brand Gazelle has unveiled the Gazelle Curb e-bike equipped with Bosch's new Hub Line drive system. It features a design that reduces the typical presence of an e-bike and looks closer to a conventional bicycle.

According to electric vehicle outlet Electrek on June 22 local time, Gazelle has become one of the first major brands to launch an e-bike based on the Hub Line that Bosch recently introduced. The new Curb targets the urban commuting market. It combines Bosch's 45Nm hub motor mounted at the rear with a 360Wh battery hidden inside the frame for a clean look.

Gazelle is highlighting a design that does not look like an e-bike as a core competitive advantage. The model won a Red Dot Design Award for its minimalist integrated design.

The product will be released in two versions. The Curb C1 uses a Gates belt drive and a single-speed setup to minimize maintenance burdens. The Curb T9 comes with a Shimano CUES 9-speed drivetrain designed to handle varied road conditions and long-distance riding.

Bosch Hub Line, used as the drive system, differs from mid-drive motors mainly used in high-performance e-bikes. It is an urban-focused solution that prioritises smooth acceleration, quiet operation and design integration over peak output. Gazelle also equips the bike as standard with Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes, integrated Supernova lighting, full fenders, and a frame lock, among other features, to improve practicality.

The lighting design also follows the minimalist strategy. The front light is integrated into the handlebar and the rear light is hidden inside the fender. Instead of a separate display, it provides a smartphone mount that can be used with SP Connect and Quad Lock systems.

It also supports a range-extension option. While the standard battery is integrated into the frame, Bosch's 250Wh PowerMore range extender can be connected as an additional unit. This allows it to meet demand for longer-distance travel.

The price is set at 2,399 euros (about 4.2 million won). Given that many of Gazelle's e-bikes sell in the 3,000 to 4,000-euro range and higher-end models exceed 6,000 euros, it is seen as a model with a relatively lower entry barrier.

The industry views the product as showing a shift in the e-bike market. The market has recently been expanding product lines that focus on design integration, ease of maintenance and everyday mobility rather than competition over peak output.

The Gazelle Curb is also expected to target a new consumer segment by emphasising practicality for urban riding and a refined exterior over high-output performance.